Munn Ice Arena at MSU. The university's Board of Trustees on Friday authorized the planning of a multimillion-dollar renovation project at the facility.Wikimedia Commons

EAST LANSING, MI -- Munn Ice Arena at Michigan State University is in need of major infrastructural updates, according to officials.

The MSU Board of Trustees at its Friday meeting authorized planning for overhauls to the venue. Ronald Flinn, the university's vice president for strategic infrastructure planning and facilities, told the board Munn Ice Arena's ice-making and heating and cooling systems need to be replaced.

"The ice plant and heating ventilation and air condition (HVAC) systems at Munn Ice Arena are original to the building and have reached the end of their useful life," Flinn said in a memo to the board.

Located on Chestnut Road between Spartan Stadium and Jack Breslin Student Events Center, Munn Ice Arena was built in 1974. Flinn estimated necessary renovations will cost $6.5 million, but added that number may change during planning. The project will be funded entirely by MSU Athletics, which operates independent of tax dollars.

The venue is home to MSU's hockey team and also frequently hosts youth hockey events and open ice skating.

MSU athletic director Mark Hollis has previously said he aims to renovate Munn Ice Arena, improving the experience it affords for fans and student athletes. The university has launched similar endeavors at its two other major sports venues in recent years.